Editorial: Good luck, City Council

On Tuesday, four new members of the Pensacola City Council are scheduled to take office and begin four-year terms.

They are:

» Charles Bare, who will represent the the city's "at-large B seat." He defeated Council President Sam Hall in a three-way race in the August primary. Bare ran unsuccessfully for mayor in 2010 but regrouped to win this citywide seat on the nine-member council. He promised to focus on improving city neighborhoods.

» Jewel Cannada-Wynn, who had served for six years until a defeat in 2010, will replace Ron Townsend, who decided not to run for re-election in District 7. During her campaign, she talked of the importance of the mayor and council working as a team.

» Andy Terhaar, who was elected by default in November when District 3 incumbent Maren DeWeese withdrew. She plans to run for mayor in 2014. During his campaign, Terhaar said he would work for district residents - including a new fire station - and improving the city as a whole.

» Gerald Wingate, who defeated incumbent John Jerralds in District 5. Wingate expressed optimism about the city's future during his campaign. He also said any friction between the council and Mayor Ashton Hayward could be resolved with better communication.

Three new council members with a veteran returning. They each will bring ideas to the council. We wish them luck.

They will join Larry Johnson, Sherri Myers, Megan Pratt, Brian Spencer and P.C. Wu on the council. (Wu was re-elected without opposition this year.) The other four are in the middle of four-year terms.

Even casual observers of the City Council know the last two years have been fraught with problems. Operating under a new city charter, the council and mayor were at odds over a number of issues. That enmity prompted two lawsuits, a failed attempt at a budget veto override and the threat of subpoenas, which, when sanity finally prevailed, was dropped earlier this month.

The mayor has seized on the new role and working to move the city forward. His plan to stem the city's declining population through annexation and a first-time home buyers program is one example. He promotes Pensacola and is a positive ambassador for the city.

As the city government evolves, the council's role is changing. Members, however, still remain vital if their tenure is marked by improving the neighborhoods they represent; working with the mayor to attract employers; and finding ways to reduce crime and poverty. Those may not be glamorous, headline-grabbing tasks, but they will improve the city.

As we have stated, healthy debate on issues is needed and encouraged, especially between the branches of government. We daresay no one has cornered the market on good ideas for Pensacola's future. But for ideas to become reality, there has to be mature discussion that includes listening.

Positive momentum is building in Pensacola and we encourage the four new members to help lead the city without the rancor and political gamesmanship that has plagued the current council.